A method of preventing and treating estrogen dependent disorders selected from endometriosis, uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, polycistic ovarian disease, fibrocystic breast disease and fibrocystic mastopathy, is disclosed which is comprised of administering to a mammalian patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of aromatase inactivator exemestane, alone or in combination with additional therapeutic agents.